What it is
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physical therapist. Most of the time it comes from the muscles, joints or discs of the low back being irritated or overloaded — not from anything structurally serious — and it usually responds well to movement and hands-on care.
Common causes on the North Shore
- Paddling and pop-ups, which load the low back in an arched position over and over
- Carrying and loading boards, gear or coolers
- Long drives up and down Kamehameha Highway
- Yard work, lifting and other everyday strain
- Work that involves repeated bending, lifting or standing, including ocean and lifeguard work
What PT involves here
We start hands-on — manual therapy and joint mobilization, soft-tissue work — to calm things down, then build a therapeutic exercise program around what’s actually driving your pain: hip and core strength, movement patterns, and whatever your specific activities ask of your back. You leave with a home program, not just instructions to rest.
What you can do today
- Keep moving within a comfortable range — prolonged bed rest tends to slow things down, not speed them up.
- Change positions often rather than sitting or standing still for long stretches.
- Use heat or ice, whichever feels better, for short-term comfort.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor or go to the ER before physical therapy if you have any of the following along with back pain: numbness or weakness in a leg, loss of bladder or bowel control, back pain after significant trauma, unexplained weight loss, or fever. These aren’t common, but they’re worth ruling out first.
Not sure if this is you? Book an evaluation and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on.
